Camping Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of Being a Good Camper

While camping is a wonderful way to get away from the busy schedule of city living, it doesn’t mean that we can leave our manners behind as well. These camping etiquette tips will help you fit right into your campground so you, and everyone around you, can have a great time outdoors.

As a seasoned camper, it’s easy to forget that there are some things that must be learned with experience. Camping etiquette goes mostly unspoken but is very important to pick up.

Camping at popular sites means we share campgrounds with other people, so absolute seclusion is usually never an option. For everyone to have a good time, we all need to know how to treat our campgrounds, fellow campers, and nature with respect.

Leave No Trace

One of the most severe mistakes, unfortunately, made by rookie campers is to leave a ton of garbage behind. Always remember to keep the site clean because you are probably sharing the site with other people, and those who will camp there afterward. But most importantly, we should treat mother nature with the utmost respect.

And no, your firepit is not a garbage can. You can even take it one step further than leave no trace with my zero waste camping guide.

Listen to Your Campground

They are there for a reason! From limiting your campfire smoke to payment instruction, obey the posted rules of all campsites. Sometimes people believe that in the forest, basic rules can be thrown out the window, but this is not the right way of thinking.

Turn Down the Boombox

While camping is certainly meant to be fun for friends and family, make sure to keep your noise levels to a minimal level. Most campsites will have quiet hours that should be respected. While some come to party, others come to spend time with their family and kids. Everyone should be able to enjoy their time outdoors.

Go Around

When it comes to camping where there are other people around, it’s important to remember not to intrude on another person’s marked camping area. There shouldn’t be any occasions where you step into another person’s site, but if you need to get somewhere else, make sure to go well around their designated site.

Put Out the Fire

This is a HUGE one. Choosing to not put out your campfire means the whole campground’s safety is at risk. Be respectful of your campground and everyone around you by waiting for the fire to die down and dumping water on it if necessary.

Let the Trees Be

Speaking of campfires, only use designated firewood in your campfire. In fact, it is illegal in many places to take wood from the forest to burn in your campfire and you may be charged with a fine. Wood, dead or alive, is part of the ecosystem of your campground and should be left as is.

Drive Slow

You’re camping, what’s the rush? Everyone is relaxing and having a good time and speedy cars are not welcome. Many people and children walk along the campground roads regularly, and without sidewalks, we all must share the road.

Stick to Designated Areas

This rule applies to not only the campground, but your campsite. If there are clear and designated places to put your tent, trailer, and car, set up shop there. This keeps the campsite as natural and as good of condition as possible.

In addition, be careful when exploring your campground. Stick to trails and follow signs to ensure you aren’t venturing anywhere you shouldn’t be.

You’re Not the Only One Showering

While this may seem like an obvious camping etiquette tip, I have definitely seen my fair share of messes at shared camping facilities. If you are at a campground with facilities, be sure to respect the common space. This means outhouses, showers, cook halls, laundry facilities, and everything in between. It is not up to camp staff to clean up after your mess!

Pack Up the Munchies

Enjoying wildlife is one of the great pleasures of camping. However, we must do so respectfully and at a distance. Don’t feed wildlife as we want to keep them as self-sufficient as possible. Squirrels and raccoons should be eating nuts and berries, not Cheetos.

Whenever you’re not eating or you leave your campsite, pack up all your food. We definitely don’t want to tempt any bears for a late night visit!

Keep Rover on a Leash

While I personally would LOVE to pet your dog, not everyone is thrilled when it comes over for a visit. It’s easy to treat our campsite like our own backyard and let our dogs (and other pets) wander around. However, it is best to keep them on a leash and in your campsite at all times.

Respect Your Neighbours

From poptop campervans to a single tent, everyone does camping differently. Don’t make fun of cheap tents or the habits of other campers because it could be a matter of personal choice. Remember that you not only share the given land with fellow camp goers, you also share the air and the water that make up the wilderness environment.

If anything, you must make sure to work harder to get along with your neighbors to keep the shared camping area harmonious. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to enjoy the great outdoors, so don’t ignore that fact by being rude to other people.

Say Hello

As such, it’s always essential to behave properly when we meet other campers in the field because it’s all about creating a sense of harmony in the natural world. Always keep on your best friendliest behavior when you see a fellow camper because they are hoping to have a good time just like you are. Allow other campers access to your camping supplies if they need them and they will return the favor.

Doesn’t it just feel better to get along with fellow campers? Being in the wild is a bonding experience and by following these camping etiquette rules, you are sure to fit right into the camping community.

Speaking of community, join my online camping community on Facebook and Instagram.